The rich history of Greece has led to many changes in the names of regions, cities, and even small villages. When traveling to Greece, you learn a lot of interesting and little-known information about various destinations. So one of them is the erstwhile Bohemica. And since you probably haven’t heard that name before, we’re talking about Axioupoli in Kilkis. A settlement of Greece with a long and important history.
The former Bohemica and its history
Axioupoli, known until 1926 as Bohemitsa, is a beautiful settlement located in the province of Paionia in the Prefecture of Kilkis. It was liberated only in 1912, along with the entire province of Paeonia. This historic village is built on the west bank of the river Axios. The former Bohemians were created in 1700 by the inhabitants of three neighboring villages. The settlement’s creation resulted from the inhabitants’ efforts to establish a new village in response to the extensive damage caused by Turkish reprisals. In fact, as is logical, the town was renamed Axioupoli because of its location on the west bank of the Axios.
During the Greek Revolution of 1821, many residents of the area where Axioupolis is located today participated in the revolutionary movements in Central Macedonia. In addition, the inhabitants of Axioupolis played an important role in the Battle of Skra during World War I, when a French army was stationed in the city to control the main supply routes.
The video from the channel KONSTANTINOS FOTIS gives us a taste of the area…
Don’t miss
If you find yourself in Kilkis and the area of Axioupoli, there is something you should not miss. The reason for the Mining Lake. It is an artificial lake of unparalleled beauty in the area. It is located in the prefecture of Kilkis and was created after the construction of a dam on the river Mega Rema, a tributary of the Axios.
The walk in this area is a unique experience. All the way, you are surrounded by a beautiful landscape, while in many places, you come across streams full of plane trees and running waters. Arriving at the lake, you will see a hill on which steps have been created. From there, you will admire the view of the lake from above, and you will see the small church of Agios Nikolaos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bohemitsa is the former name of Axioupoli, a historic settlement located in the prefecture of Kilkis, Greece. The town was renamed Axioupoli in 1926, taking its name from its location on the west bank of the Axios river. The settlement was originally established in 1700 by inhabitants from three neighboring villages who sought to create a new community after suffering extensive damage from Turkish reprisals.
Axioupoli, formerly known as Bohemitsa, was liberated in 1912 along with the entire province of Paeonia. This liberation marked an important milestone in the region's history, as it had been under Ottoman rule for centuries before gaining freedom during the Balkan Wars.
The inhabitants of Axioupoli played a significant role during World War I, particularly in the Battle of Skra. A French army was stationed in the city to control the main supply routes during the conflict, making Axioupoli a strategically important location during the war.
The Mining Lake is an artificial lake of exceptional beauty located in the prefecture of Kilkis, near Axioupoli. It was created following the construction of a dam on the Mega Rema river, a tributary of the Axios. The lake is surrounded by stunning landscapes with streams, plane trees, and offers scenic views from elevated viewpoints, including a small church dedicated to Agios Nikolaos.
Many residents of Axioupoli actively participated in the Greek Revolution of 1821, contributing to revolutionary movements throughout Central Macedonia. The settlement's location and population made it an important center of resistance against Ottoman rule during this pivotal period in Greek history.
